Robert Arthur Peterson

Monday

Dec 27, 2010 at 2:00 AM

MASHPEE — Robert Arthur Peterson, of Mashpee, formerly of Brockton and Canton, passed away at his home in Mashpee on Dec. 23, 2010. He was born in Brockton, Mass., on Jan. 3, 1922, to Dr. Arthur and Sara (Peer) Peterson, both of whom were veterans of World War I. He was predeceased in 2008 by his wife of 59 years, Dorothy (Kaufman) Peterson and by his brother Alan of Cotuit, who died in August 2010.

MASHPEE — Robert Arthur Peterson, of Mashpee, formerly of Brockton and Canton, passed away at his home in Mashpee on Dec. 23, 2010. He was born in Brockton, Mass., on Jan. 3, 1922, to Dr. Arthur and Sara (Peer) Peterson, both of whom were veterans of World War I. He was predeceased in 2008 by his wife of 59 years, Dorothy (Kaufman) Peterson and by his brother Alan of Cotuit, who died in August 2010.

Robert graduated from Thayer Academy and Harvard College with a degree in electrical engineering. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942 and completed flight school at Pensacola, Fla. He served in the South Pacific on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Wasp flying the F6F Hellcat. He was awarded the Air Medal with 4 stars.

After the war, he worked for Raytheon Corporation for 34 years in the Microwave and Power Tube Division. He held several patents involved in the development of the microwave oven and designed several models that were used in a variety of industries as well as in the home. He also published a book on microwave engineering.

In retirement, he enjoyed traveling with Dorothy to Europe, the Caribbean, and to reunions with his comrades from the U.S.S. Wasp. They spent the winters in the Stuart, Fla., enjoying golfing and friends. He was an avid fan of the Red Sox and the Patriots.

He is survived by a cousin, Arthur P. Richmond and his wife Carol of Canton and their sons, Douglas N. and his wife Nicole, and their twins Charlotte and Charles, all of Norton and Jared P. and his wife Brandi, and their daughter, Ava, all of Lakeville, Everett Swanson of Glen-Mills, Pa., the family of Dorothy (Kaufman) Peterson from Maryland and Pennsylvania, as well as friends in Massachusetts and Florida.

A service will be held at the John-Lawrence Funeral Home, 3778 Falmouth Road (Route 28), Marstons Mills at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 29, 2010. Pastor James Schutter will officiate, followed by a committal service at Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne at 10:45 a.m.

Memorials in his name may be made to The Lighthouse Foundation c/o Beacon Hospice, 259 Willow St., Yarmouthport, MA 02675.

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